For this month’s side-note, we’ve decided to pay homage to our wonderful Founder and CEO, Sara Morgan McDermott, on her birthday and on the namesake day of our company. If you’re reading this, you probably understand that Sara needs no introduction. But on the off chance that you don't, we wanted to take this opportunity to share what we love about working for Sara and at Eleven Eleven, and how she’s helped us grow and learn throughout our work at her company. Regardless of the time we’ve spent at the company, whether that be a few years or a few weeks, we all have a special place in our heart for Sara and the work she does every day to make Eleven Eleven into a unique and special place to work--
Sara and I grew up in the same neighborhood as kids. So I've had the chance to see her as a friend, a client, and a colleague over the years. Over the course of that time, I've learned a ton from her. She's truly an expert at her craft, and it's inspiring to watch firsthand. Above all, she's been an incredible role model for kindness and compassion in business. I'm honored to be a part of the Eleven Eleven that Sara has manifested from her dreams into reality. - Ammar Shallal, Director of Operations
I am immensely grateful to Sara for her support, positivity and creativity– all of which are endless! Her unwavering commitment to her clients and team is admirable and evident in everything she does. Although, I only recently joined Eleven Eleven PR, I am thankful to have the opportunity to learn from Sara and the team. —Fiona Parcharidis, Senior Account Manager
I am grateful Sara showed me the potential of a PR career and how you can tailor your interests within this career path to find your unique niche. She has opened so many doors, giving me the freedom to explore different avenues of my interests, and taught me everything from tactical PR skills to what it means to follow your dreams to create something of your own, even if it seems out of reach. And, most of all, I am grateful she created this amazing team that I enjoy in and out of the work environment. — Tara Shepherd, Account Executive
Although I’ve known Sara for a lifetime, it’s been amazing to watch her in her professional element over the last year (and some!). We all know Sara outside of Eleven Eleven as the life of the party, but it’s particularly special for me to see her channel that excitement and drive into her own company. Sara brings her unwavering enthusiasm and charisma into her client relationships, and I think that’s a big lesson I’ve learned from her— you are part of your client’s team, and not an outsider just churning out press hits. I think that’s a unique bonus she brings to the Eleven Eleven experience, and that’s an important lesson I’ve taken in throughout my own professional development as well. She’s also taught me that you can solve almost any problem with dry shampoo, a Starbucks, and (who are we kidding) a glass of red wine, and that’s probably even more important! —Vicki Holcomb, Account Executive
As soon as I joined Eleven Eleven, Sara welcomed me with open arms and let me know she would be available whenever I needed her. She has kept this promise time and time again. I will always be grateful for Sara as a leader, and am incredibly thankful for her generosity and kindness! The Eleven Eleven team is one I will always be grateful for.— Ayala Ossowski, Account Assistant